As we grow older and our reading levels advance, so do the books we choose. Most of us naturally transition from children’s books to young adult novels and, eventually, to adult fiction and nonfiction. Of course, if you’re a caregiver, you might still find yourself reading children’s books aloud to little ones. But when it comes to personal reading, we tend to stick to books geared toward our own age group.
Years ago, I came across a children’s book titled You’re Here for a Reason by author and illustrator Nancy Tillman. The title caught my eye, and the beautiful, watercolor-like cover of a little boy perched on top of an elephant, arms stretched to the sky, radiated pure joy. I picked it up and immediately fell in love with the story. It was the first time I had read a picture book since I was a child myself. Nancy Tillman wrote a lyrical rhyme showing kids that they truly matter, that their actions make a difference in the world like a stone casting ripples in water, and most importantly, that they are loved.
At that moment, my perspective shifted. It didn’t feel like I was reading a children’s book that happened to be a good story. Instead, I was reading a good story that happened to be in the form of a children’s book. I credit this Nancy Tillman book as the catalyst that ignited my love for children’s literature as an adult. Since then, I have had the great pleasure of reading her other titles, and each one has captivated me.
Her stories are consistently sincere and forthright in their messages. I love that her books teach kids valuable lessons in a simple yet powerful way. While it’s beneficial and enjoyable for kids to think critically and creatively to uncover the deeper meaning of a book, I appreciate that these stories don’t require children to “work” to receive the message. Instead, they act as a beautiful broadcast, effortlessly reminding children of self-assuring truths. They may be filled with rhyming lines, simple explanations, and youthful illustrations, but their messages are just as profound as any adult book I’ve read. I believe that they, along with all children’s books, are truly created for everyone.
I am also personally enamored with her illustrations. Nancy’s website states that she creates her illustrations “digitally using dozens of layers of illustrative elements. These layers are eventually merged to form a composite, at which point texture and mixed media are applied.” It seems like a difficult task to captivate audiences with picture books because the illustrations must match the words, propel the story forward, and entertain the reader all at once. Through Nancy’s soft and delicate illustrations, she portrays children of different abilities, appearances, and personalities. She shows young readers what it means to be confident, kind, and carefree. Many of her books are also rooted in nature, depicting children interacting with animals in beautiful ways.
Every time I read one of her stories, they fill me with a youthful feeling that’s naturally fleeting to me nowadays. There is a certain innocent and free-spirited magic that children possess. As we get older, the stress and realities of life weigh us down, depleting us of the imagination and creativity we once carried with us. I believe we all need to be reminded of that feeling and experience life through a child’s eyes from time to time, and diving into Nancy’s imaginative world is a great way to do it.
Whether you are looking for a unique children’s book for a little one in your life or you want to experience youthful wonder for yourself, I encourage you to check out any of Nancy Tillman’s lovely works.
Books by Nancy Tillman:
- You Are Loved
- You’re All Kinds of Wonderful
- I’d Know You Anywhere, My Love
- Tumford’s Rude Noises
- On the Night You Were Born
Learn more about Nancy Tillman
Written by Christine Campbell – PDL Team Member